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Davenport, Iowa

What do I need to do to open a small business in Davenport, IA?

Small businesses may need to register their business with the State of Iowa by filling out the Iowa Self Tax Permit. You can use this form to apply for sales tax, use tax, automobile rental tax, withholding tax, corporations, and/or partnerships. You may fill out this form online or print the form out, complete it by hand, and mail it to Registration Services, Iowa Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 10465, Des Moines, IA 50306-0465. There is no fee associated with this permit unless you plan to sell hazardous materials.

To fill out these forms, you will need to know basic information about your business such as its name, location, the FEIN number (to find out if you need a FEIN number, go here) or a Social Security Number, and the type of ownership. You will also need to know information about the nature of your business, including number of employees, tax collection details, and the permitting requirements for your business. You will also need to know the name and social security number of each owner. For more information about the tax status of your business, you can go here. If you have any questions about this form, you can call Taxpayer Services at 515-281-3114 or 800-367-3388.

It is important to note that your business may be exempt from taxes or may be eligible for additional taxes. For more information about these options, go to the Starting a Business section of the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

Are there additional things I must do at the state level to open a small business in Davenport, IA?

If you will have employees, you have additional requirements. For more information on these additional requirements, go here.

Certain businesses, such as corporations and Limited Liability Partnerships, must register with the Secretary of State. For more information on this requirement, go here.

Your business may also require a Certificate of Authority if it is regulated by anything other than Iowa Law. To find out if you must obtain a Certificate of Authority for your business, go here

There are many types of businesses that require additional licenses and permits from the State of Iowa before opening to the public. Some common examples include:

For more information about the businesses listed above and for a full list of permits and licenses that your business may need, go here. If you have questions about environmental permitting, you can go here for more information.

What must I do for the City of Davenport if I want to start a small business in Davenport, IA?

If your business is a sole proprietorship, you may have additional requirements. To find out more about these requirements or if you need to register your new business name, you should contact your County Recorder. Go here to find the contact information for officials in your county.

There are many small businesses that need additional permits or licenses to operate. Some examples are:

For more information on the businesses listed above and for a complete list of businesses that require additional permits, visit the Business and Contractor Licenses portion of the City of Davenport’s website or contact them at 563-326-7715.

Where can I go for more help with starting my small business in Davenport, IA?

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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.